Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
26.7% of enterprises in Pondicherry are women-owned. 92.7% of women have their own bank account, better than the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹64,095 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
82% of registered enterprises are in services while 18% are in manufacturing. Only 7% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. 67% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Pondicherry, which ranks 1 of 2 in Puducherry for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 60 out of 100. It trails the national picture on women in the labour force at 37.5%. On women's freedom of movement at 37.5% and women taking part in all major household decisions at 74.9%, it sits close to the national mark.